AST-1 PLUS (Seymour & Whistler)

Avalanche Danger scale
Avalanche test pit
Avalanche Test Pit in Whistler

The 2.5 day AST-1+ Avalanche Skills course developed by Canada West Mountain School has been updated to include our Virtual Classroom online learning sessions in advance of 2 full days in the field! The best combination of  theory and practical field training possible sets the standard for AST programs. We pioneered the original PLUS programs over 35 years ago and continue to improve every season, using two different mountain regions for the most effective use of your time – 1 day on Seymour plus 1 day behind Whistler/Blackcomb – with the most hands-on time of any AST-1.

Register Today

$350.00

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Canada West Mountain School is an Authorized AST Provider

Dates:

2024-25 dates below
Our Seymour & Whistler-based 2.5 day AST-1 PLUS course includes 3-hours of self-paced online learning as well as a 1.5-hr Virtual Live Session class on Thursday night before the weekend dates.

Ratio:
1:8
Pre Requisites:

Strong Intermediate skiing/riding ability. No previous avalanche training required.

Options:
Avi Kit (2 day)
$40.00
Lift Access (1-day)
$45.00
Category:

  • Vancouver & Whistler AST-1 PLUS Course: $350. + GST
    Included in all Canada West Mountain School AST-1 PLUS courses:

    • 2.5 days AST-1 course instruction:
      3-hours of Self-directed Virtual Classroom online theory sessions
      1.5-hr online Zoom class session with your Instructor, Thursday evening prior to course date
      Day-1 practical field session in Mount Seymour backcountry
      Day-2 field session held in Whistler/Blackcomb alpine backcountry
    • BONUS DAY - all students on Canada West Mountain School AST-1 courses are eligible to join on a FREE AST Refresher course during March and April. Details to be posted.
    • AST-1 Certificate issued by Avalanche Canada
    • Avalanche Manual "Avalanche Skills Training Handbook"
    • Avaluator V.2 Manual and decision making card
    • Course student handouts and reference materials
    • Access to our "On-Course" Avalanche Safety Gear rentals
    • Use of Snow Science equipment
    • Ongoing free consultation services from Canada West Mountain School
    • 15% off AST-2 scheduled courses with Canada West Mountain School

    Exclusive On-Course Avalanche Safety Equipment rentals:
    Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe rentals are available through Canada West for $35. The Canada West "On-Course Avi Kit" rentals will be supplied directly to you on your course - skip the hassle of going to another shop to pick up or drop off rentals! Rentals must be booked at the time of AST Course Registration, add "Avi Kit" when registering. CWMS On-Course Avi Kit Rentals include Mammut Barryvox Transceiver, G3 Shovel, and G3 Probe for both days of your course.

    Lift Acces on Whistler/Blackcomb:
    All participants require lift access for the Whistler/Blackcomb day. Lift access is not included in the course fee. If you have a Whistler/Blackcomb Pass (Epic, Season, Edge, etc.) this is fine for the AST-1 Plus course.

    If you do not have a Pass or cannot secure a reservation, Canada West Mountain School can supply a Backcountry Pass (select the Lift Pass option when booking).

    NOTE on weather and snow conditions:
    If the snow conditions on Mount Seymour are not suitable for delivering a quality course for Day-1, or for any other reasons, the course may be held for both days on Whistler/Blackcomb. In this event, 2 days of lift access are required for Whistler/Blackcomb.

    CANCELLATIONS and TRANSFERS
    Please click here for our Cancellation and Transfer Policy

  • All course dates include an essential 1.5 hour (approx.) evening Theory Session held on the Thursday night prior to the course field dates. This session is held from 6:00 - 7:30 pm and will be conducted by Zoom through the Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom. Please re-confirm the evening date and time when you register, as some AST-1 dates may have different evening class session times scheduled.

    If you cannot attend the integral Thursday evening Theory Session, please consider taking one of our 2-day AST-1 Classic courses - (AST-1 Classic Mt Seymour) , or in Whistler - (AST-1 Classic Whistler).

    All other Virtual Classroom e-learning material can be covered in a self-paced manner at any time prior to the field sessions.

    All AST-1 PLUS course locations are held chosen based on current weather and snow conditions. Itineraries and locations for each field day may vary due to changing snow conditions, weather, or avalanche danger levels.

  • Strong Intermediate skiing/riding skills and above are required. Students must be very comfortable skiing/riding in control on Blue runs in ungroomed conditions The AST-1 PLUS course is conducted in the backcountry regions adjacent to Mount Seymour on day-1; and, Blackcomb or Whistler ski area on Day-2.

  • Canada West Mountain School has been offering avalanche skills training courses since 1982 - our AST-1 PLUS is built on more than 40 years of experience conducting Avalanche Skills safety training to the highest standard possible. This season we are continuing with our popular Virtual Online Classroom for all aspects of the class theory learning.

    The AST-1 PLUS course focuses on teaching practical methods of understanding, recognizing, and avoiding avalanche hazards, including terrain evaluation, effective decision making, group management, safe route finding, snowpack structure, weather, and avalanche rescue techniques.

      The AST-1 PLUS format includes:
    • 3 hours of self-paced Online Learning in our Virtual Classroom in advance of the field sessions
    • 1.5-hr online Live Session Zoom class on the Thursday evening prior to the field sessions
    • 2 full days of on-snow practical field training, conducted in separate backcountry regions

    2 Manuals are included in the course (Backcountry Avalanche Awareness and the Avaluator V.2) and form an integral part of the learning. Our AST-1 course content and materials have been developed and refined over the past 35 years and are based on the nationally-recognized AST-1 curriculum developed by Avalanche Canada.

    The first classroom evening session is an engaging session of interactive learning, group sessions, and multi-media presentations. Both of the field sessions emphasize "hands-on" practical learning in the field working on snowpack, terrain, travel, and rescue skills. With 2 days of field training, ample time is available to practice core skills.

      Virtual Classroom Theory topics include:
    • avalanche hazard recognition
    • avalanche terminology
    • avalanche mechanics
    • mountain weather
    • snowpack structure
    • basic terrain evaluation
    • decision making and human factors
    • equipment requirements
    • introduction to Avalanche Companion Rescue

    The initial evening theory session will prepare you for the practical field sessions so that your time in the field is used most efficiently.

      Skills and topics covered on the Day-1 and Day-2 practical field sessions include:
    • terrain evaluation
    • mountain hazard assessment
    • group management
    • effective decision making in Avalanche Terrain
    • safe route finding techniques
    • snowpack analysis
    • snow testing techniques
    • transceiver searches
    • rescue fundamentals

    At the end of the course, our Instructors conduct a "wrap up" session that we feel is a critical aspect of all Canada West Mountain School AST programs, as this allows students an opportunity to "put all the pieces together" before heading out on your own. During this session, you are encouraged to discuss with your instructor the content that has been covered, and to have the instructor assess your level of knowledge - we would prefer that you know your abilities now, rather than finding out the hard way, later!

  • Evening Zoom Session
    The Thursday evening session will start at 6:00 PM and will be an online Live Zoom session with your Instructor. At this class session, you will also receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the first field day of your course.

    Day-1
    The Day-1 field sessions are typically held in the backcountry behind Mount Seymour unless otherwise noted.

    Day-2
    On Day-2, you will be accessing the backcountry adjacent to Whistler or Blackcomb mountains for the final portion of the course.

    If weather or snowpack conditions are not suitable to conduct the course on one of these areas, occasionally alternate locations may be used such as Diamond Head near Squamish, or the Coquihalla Pass near Hope.

    If weather conditions or snowpack on Seymour are not suitable for conducting the field session on Day-1, then both field days of the course will alternate between Whistler and Blackcomb. In this event, lift access will be required for both field days.

    Students are reminded to plan to arrive a few minutes early to all the course sessions, to allow for traffic delays, poor road conditions, parking, etc. The field sessions will start promptly at the times indicated - latecomers will risk missing the field sessions as once the group has departed there are no options to join them in the field at a later time.

  • All Instructors on our Avalanche courses are Active or Professional Members of the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and hold Level I or Level II Professional Certification with the CAA. Additionally, Canada West Mountain School staff are dedicated educators who are experienced in teaching these skills and conducting well run, professional courses.

    All CWMS staff also attend regular Industry training and have advanced 1st aid training, and many of the Instructors in our Avalanche Training program are also professional Guides certified through the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides).

    Visit Guides and Instructors Page for complete details and background on each of our Guide Team.

  • IMPORTANT - All course dates include an essential evening Theory Session held on the Thursday night prior to the course field dates. This session is held from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and will be conducted as a Live Zoom class through the Canada West Mountain School Virtual Classroom. Please re-confirm the evening date and time when you register, as some AST-1 dates may have different evening class session times scheduled. At this class session, you will also receive instructions for the specific meeting points for the first field day of your course.

    Virtual Online training Our unique self-paced Virtual Training modules are designed to be done online in advance of the course on your own schedule. You will be enrolled in our Virtual Classroom 2-3 weeks in advance of the practical portion of the AST-1 course. The Virtual classes are set up to deliver the content in an engaging and interactive style and are delivered through a series of self-paced lessons in advance of the in-person classes and practical field sessions.

    You will receive instructions on how to register and access the Virtual Classroom online course content after you have registered for your AST-1 course, but you can complete this training on your own schedule and from any location of your choice. We are committed to providing the highest degree of online learning experience and flexibility; we welcome and encourage your ongoing feedback as we embark on this adventure in learning with Canada West!

    Practical Training Day-1 The first day of the practical training is on-snow, combining interactive and engaging sessions with an emphasis on group activities focusing on risk management, trip planning, rescue procedures and transceiver training. The Day-1 training is typically held in the backcountry of Mt Seymour.

    Day-2 The 2nd full day of practical training will take place in the alpine backcountry of Whistler or Blackcomb mountains. 

    IMPORTANT NOTE ON MEETING LOCATIONS The specific meeting locations and logistics details may vary from one course date to another, please ensure you confirm the correct location for your course date!

    Students are responsible for getting to and from the course meeting locations. During the class sessions in advance of the field training, you will discuss and plan the logistics for the specific meeting points and times for the Practical Field sessions of your course.

    Students are reminded to plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to all course sessions, to allow for traffic delays, poor road conditions, parking, etc. The Practical Field sessions will start promptly at the times indicated - latecomers will risk missing the field sessions as once the group has departed there are no options to join them in the field at a later time.

  • Avalanche Skills Course Gear List
    Review this list before the course start date - Canada West Mountain School Avalanche Course Gear List. Everyone needs to be fully prepared for any/all winter conditions, the course will be conducted in all weather including low temperatures, high winds, and rain/snow.

    Avalanche Safety Gear and Rentals
    A Transceiver (digital 3-antennae model), Avalanche shovel, and Avalanche probe are required for each person. Please review your transceiver operating instructions before arriving on your course, and double-check battery strength. Everyone should arrive with their transceiver strapped on underneath outer clothing layers.

    If you require Avalanche Safety Gear, Canada West Mountain School maintains a large rental inventory of avalanche safety equipment exclusively for our students. Our "On-Course" Avi Kit Rentals are only $40 for a 2-day AST course and include a Transceiver, Shovel, and Probe for both days of your course. The Canada West "On-Course" Avi Kit rentals will be supplied directly to you on your course - there are no hassles with going to another shop to pick them up or drop them off! Please book your rentals at the time of AST Course Registration, add "Avi Kit" when registering as they are often booked out by the time the course runs.

    Backcountry Touring Gear
    Proper backcountry touring skis or split-board, with climbing skins and poles are required for all practical on-snow field sessions; or, snowshoes and carrying a snowboard strapped on a pack. For Snowshoers without a snowboard, please join an AST-1 Snowshoe course in order to use snowshoes-only.

    Backcountry Ski and Split-board rentals
    Canada West Mountain School has some awesome Partners who have stepped up with great gear rental options and offers this season!

    • All Access Adventures - Lower Mainland Backcountry ski, splitboard and snowshoe rentals.
      Use Promo Code CWMSSTUDENT10 to receive 10% off all rentals at All Access Adventures Rentals. You can also contact Sarah at All Access Adventures directly by phone at 778-200-7600 for full details and availability.
    • Valhalla Pure Outfitters (VPO) Squamish Backcountry Ski rentals
      Squamish-based Valhalla Pure Outfitters (VPO) has generously offered a 50% discount on all Backcountry ski rentals and Avalanche Safety gear Rentals while on an AST-1 or AST-2 course. Use Promo Code VPOAST2024 to save 50% off all rentals, you will also require proof of registration in your CWMS AST-1 course -Valhalla Pure Outfitters

  • Questions about Avalanche Skills Training 1 PLUS (AST-1+) course

    Do I need to bring special gear?

    What happens if the weather is not good?

    Where are the AST-1 PLUS courses conducted?

    How long are the days?

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